An industrial policy for Europe ?

The Polish Commissioner responsible for industry is set to launch new proposals for an industrial strategy early next year. She tells EURACTIV that the new approach must be concrete and that the overriding aim must be to promote the competitiveness of European industry.

In order to move forward its plans for an ‘industrial renaissance’, the European Commission has to focus on creating a framework that will encourage the new industries of tomorrow, like photonics, writes Michael Mertin.

SPECIAL REPORT: Companies, trade unions and politicians are working together to turn Germany into an industrial centre for the digital future. But on the day of its founding, Industry 4.0’s initiators are divided over its opportunities and risks. EURACTIV Germany reports.

SPECIAL REPORT: Providing quality services at affordable prices should be the guiding principles of regulation of network industries, according to Bruno Liebhaberg who urges the Juncker Commission to reconsider the EU’s approach to liberalisation in sectors such as telecoms, railways and energy.

SPECIAL REPORT: The Polish Commissioner responsible for industry is set to launch new proposals for an industrial strategy early next year. She tells EURACTIV that the new approach must be concrete and that the overriding aim must be to promote the competitiveness of European industry.

Lack of access to affordable energy is the key driver behind the slow erosion of competitiveness in the European chemical sector, warns Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, who urges policymakers to reach agreement on a genuine European energy policy.

SPECIAL REPORT: An overhaul of EU industrial policies scheduled for early next year will come under intense scrutiny as stakeholders squabble over related initiatives aimed at simplifying European laws and assessing their wider impact on business and society.

The European chemical sector has issued a “very serious” warning about its slumping competitiveness, but refuses to be alarmist just yet, saying shareholders should not worry, that big industrial groups are now global, and less exposed to Europe.

SPECIAL REPORT: Italy’s battle to rescue its ailing industry has become emblematic of Europe’s economic woes, especially in the south. But a government campaign to save national firms from bankruptcy seems to be gaining traction, also thanks to backing from Pope Francis.

SPECIAL REPORT: Europe needs to capitalise on the Internet of Things to pave the way to the zero-marginal cost industrial economy of the future, according to US economist Jeremy Rifkin, who says China is willing to join it on the journey. ?